Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 investigation

Question for oral answer to the Commission

The tragic crash of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 has led to a severe escalation of tension in relations between Russia and Ukraine and between Russia and the EU.

The European Council held in the days immediately following the event decided to further tighten the restrictive measures in place against Russia, while Ukrainian and separatist groups accused, and continue to accuse, each other of bearing responsibility for the crash.

The restrictive measures applied to Russia as a result of the situation are causing serious economic damage to European companies doing business with the Russian Federation, and it is very important to establish the real cause of the MH17 crash quickly and beyond any doubt.

According to international press agency reports, the authorities of the states in charge of the ongoing investigation, including Ukraine, the Netherlands and Belgium, have agreed to keep the results classified and not to disclose them.

1. Is the Commission aware of the results of the ongoing technical investigation?

2. Does the Commission consider legitimate and appropriate the secrecy classification given to the results of the ongoing investigation by the authorities of the Member States in charge of it?